Nipah virus cases emerge in India as airports step up screening

Two Nipah virus cases were reported in India and neighbouring countries have increased airport screening; Nipah is a rare bat-associated virus and there is no approved vaccine.

Two cases of Nipah virus were reported in India, and some neighbouring countries have increased screening at airports in response. Authorities in Thailand and Malaysia announced stepped-up checks for travellers. Nipah is a rare viral infection linked mainly to fruit bats and has caused sporadic outbreaks in South Asia. There are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments, though vaccine candidates are in clinical testing. Key facts: - Two cases were reported in India; Thailand and Malaysia enhanced airport screening after the reports. - Nipah commonly spreads from infected animals, particularly fruit bats, and can transmit between people after close contact. - The World Health Organization reports a high case fatality rate for Nipah, and outbreaks have generally been small and contained. - Vaccine candidates are under development and at least one Oxford-developed candidate has reached phase II testing in Bangladesh. Summary: Reported cases prompted regional screening measures but public health bodies say Nipah has not shown broad human-to-human transmission. Undetermined at this time.